I've had a cold for the last week. Sneezing, coughing, and a slight fever. I keep reading that ARS is "flu-like". Now, I'm kind of confused between the symptoms of the flu and a common cold. Can anyone clarify for me please??

By the way, my last possible exposure to HIV was late June. I've been worried, worried, worried and do plan to take an HIV test by the end of this month.

The common cold symptoms are mild tempature increase, soar throat and congestion. This should resolve itself in a few days to a week. The flu is the same symptoms only more sever accompanied by body acks and high temps. The length of time and the severity of symptoms usally is enough to drive people to a doctor within days for relief. Finally, SARS is like having the flu but if missed diagnosed as the flu the decongestanes prescribed won't work. Breathing will get harder and harder and there only so much of that a person can take before seek help at an emergency room. SARS is rare but I think it's your overall condition as time progresses that will drive the whole process leading to a SARS diagnosis and treatment.